a helpful hint for vivelle dot ladies

I am using the Vivelle Dot .05 mg and was having major skin reactions, not nearly as sever as with the Esclim patch, but I would have raised red area the exact size of the patch and it would itch terribly. I read the pamplet that comes with the patches and it says to use lotion or oil and remove the sticky residue from your skin. I got baby oil and as soon as I take the patch off, I rub until I get all of the sticky off and I apply Cortisone creme. Wipe the excess oil off and then apply the Cortisone creme. It takes a few extra minutes to do this but by the end of the day I can't tell where my patch was. This is a lot better than having the red area for another week. The pamplet with the Dot also says to use it on your abdomen, but my Dr. said the butt was also fine to put it and it seems to stay on better there. Just wanted to pass this on in case anyone was having problems.

Kari

I too use the Vivelle Dot .1. This may sound bizarre but I have found that I have more frequent and more intense hot flashes when I use the dot on my buttocks. They do stick better there, but I don't think they absorb as well. Anybody else notice this?

The Vivelle Dot website mentions a difference in absorption between buttock and lower abdomen. I believe the buttock has a higher rate of absorption. You could do a search on the internet for Vivelle Dot and read about it. Flashes can come from any change in level - either up or down.

I was mainly posting this for the skin irritation, but I seem to feel much better with the patch on my rear-end. I don't have a problem with hot flashes period, so that hasn't been a concern, but my mood is much better and I think it is because the patch is sticking better on my rear. When I have worn the patch on my abdomen, it comes up when I am in the shower and then I have to press it back down to make it stick. I don't think I am getting the full effect from it on my abdomen. But like I have heard on this site so many times, we are all so different and the HRT we choose is going to effect us all in a different way. As long as my Dr. is ok with where I put it and I feel fine, then that's where it's going!!!

Kari